On May 5, 10:50*pm, Duncan wrote:
In article cbdb0206-4847-455b-af10-3e344d0db8d5
@o30g2000vbc.googlegroups.com, says...

Unfortunately even if they extend crossrail to Reading it still can't
replace all the stopping services because there are 2 stopping
services an hour from Oxford which call at many of the intermediate
stations. So then you would either have to electrify the line to
Oxford (ooh, look a flying pig) or more realistically terminate slow
Oxford services at Reading and inconvenience passengers from
intermediate stations between Reading and Oxford. Of course there is
the option of running the Oxford slow services under the wires on the
slows but this would take up valuable crossrail paths and of course
result in more diesels under wires which is a waste of fuel.

Or they could do as the Bedwyn services do and stop until Reading and
then run fast into Paddington. This assumes that capacity can be found
on the main lines for 90mph services between the 125mph service.

Duncan

But this still wouldn't be an ideal outcome, Oxford already has fast
services calling at Reading and Slough only, and passengers for
intermediate stations would need to change at Reading, so you might as
well terminate the service at Reading, but this would reduce the tph
from Oxford to Paddington from 4 to 2. Incidently the current Oxford
fast services are commonly 165s or 166s anyway so there are already 2
paths an hour for 90mph stock, whether there is any room for more than
that is debateable.